2008 Woodie Awards
Restaurant owner brings 'local flavor' to Papa's Bistro
Chloe Thompson
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: News
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The owner of Papa's Bistro, Daniel Dairbi, is hoping to bring healthier eating habits to University of Rhode Island students.
"I like to push the healthy aspect of fast food," Dairbi said.
The bistro, which serves mostly panini, burgers and salads, opened about three and a half weeks ago in the Emporium. Previously, the bistro's spot was home to short-lived Tacone.
The theme of healthiness reaches across the menu, with whole-wheat buns being offered with the burgers, all natural 100 percent fruit smoothies, and a variety of grilled vegetables. The bistro also serves about five different vegetarian dishes, and Dairbi wants to add fish to the menu as well.
The prices at Papa's Bistro may please its customers, with the most expensive item at $6.99 for a burger, soft drink and a salad or fries.
The restaurant, which can hold about 66 people, is more of a sit-down place rather than the numerous take-out places in the Emporium.
"I'm different than them," Dairbi said. "I'm not fast food."
Dairbi, a resident of Cranston, said he thinks it's important to bring local flavor into his restaurant. In a couple of weeks, he plans to showcase local artists' work on the walls, along with local musicians entertaining his customers. Currently, the restaurant's color comes from the artwork on its walls.
The restaurant already has a flat-screen television for customers to watch, and has WiFi access, so students can come do their homework while eating.
"We want this place to be so you can come and listen to music and just enjoy yourself while sitting down," Dairbi said. "This is a more relaxing atmosphere than [the other businesses in the Emporium]."
Dairbi, who had never owned a restaurant, said he looked at several other franchises in the Emporium before deciding to open his own.
"I wanted to do something totally different, something I could make my own," he said.
Even with a healthy menu, Dairbi realizes many of his customers have a sweet tooth.
"We do have desserts," he said. "We have brownies and cookies and apple pie. We'll start introducing healthier desserts soon."
Dairbi is trying to promote his business by doing giveaways and offering coupons.
"I'm just trying to tell everyone that I exist and I'm here," he said with a laugh. "I have a good feeling about this place."
If customers want to reserve the restaurant for a private party or meeting, they can call the bistro to set it up.
For now, Daribi said business is good, and he hopes to see it continue to succeed.
"This place has been closed for a while, so we're just trying to redirect traffic back here," he said. "We're getting more [customers] than expected."